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Universal Studios Hollywood - Backlot
Fires and Storms

May 15 1967

This devastating fire, believed to have started in a barn on the Laramie Street set, destroyed sets including the Little Europe area (including the Court of Miracles). Part of Spartacus Square was spared, only to be destroyed 20 years later.

"Wind-whipped flames chew their way through movie and TV sets on Universal Studios' back lot, causing an estimated $1 million damage. A studio spokesman reported the fire, which sent flames 200 to 300 feet into the air, started near the "The Virginian" set then spread to the "Run For Your Life" filming area."

The 12-acre blaze consumed the "European," Denver" and "Laramie" street sets and burned out of control for an hour.

Wind-blown sparks showered upon nearby Warner Bros. Studios causing at least one minor fire on the roof of the old casting building. Embers were carried as far as NBC Studios, two miles away and across the river to the Lakeside golf course.

Movie sets burn in a $1 million fire on Universal Studios' backlot on May 15, 1967. Firemen battle roaring flames that raged out of control in studio structures. Photo by Dave Hearst Jr. Photo from the LA Public Library Photo Catalog
Movie sets burn in a $1 million fire on Universal Studios' backlot on May 15, 1967. Firemen battle roaring flames that raged out of control in studio structures. Photo by Dave Hearst Jr. Photo from the LA Public Library Photo Catalog
Aerial view of flames raging out of control on Universal Studios' backlot on May 15, 1967, sending towering columns of smoke into the sky. Photo taken from KTLA-TV 5 helicopter piloted by Larry Scheer. Photograph by Harold Morby. Photo from the LA Public Library Photo Catalog
Aerial view of flames raging out of control on Universal Studios' backlot on May 15, 1967, sending towering columns of smoke into the sky. Photo taken from KTLA-TV 5 helicopter piloted by Larry Scheer. Photograph by Harold Morby. Photo from the LA Public Library Photo Catalog
Scan courtesy universalstonecutter.
Scan courtesy universalstonecutter.
Photo from LA Times archive
Photo from LA Times archive

Additional research by Dennis Dickens

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